Donegal's All-Ireland hopes have been struck a hammer blow as star forward Patrick McBrearty has suffered a season-ending cruciate injury.
McBrearty sustained the injury in kicking a point before half-time in Sunday's Ulster final. He was replaced in the 38th minute by Daire Ó Baoill.
He took part in the celebrations as Donegal secured the title, but a subsequent scan has confirmed the bad news.
McBrearty has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and will be under the care of Dr Kevin Moran.
He will miss the rest of the season, as Donegal face into their Super 8s-opener against Dublin at Croke Park on July 14/15.